“A man who has nothing in particular to recommend him discusses all sorts of subjects at random as if he knew everything.”

“An intellectual may be defined as a man who speaks with general authority about a subject on which he has no particular competence.”

“I don't see how Clary is something we have in common,' Simon said, although he did. Nevertheless, this wasn't a conversation he particularly wanted to have with Jace now, or, in fact, ever. Wasn't there some sort of manly code that precluded discussions like this--discussions about feelings?”

“So what were you [Sonea] and Dorrien discussing before?' Akkarin asked.She turned to regard him. 'Discussing?''Outside the farmhouse when I was buying the food.''Oh. Then. Nothing.'He smiled and nodded. 'Nothing. Amazing subject, that one. Produces such fascinating reactions in people.”

“I am going to-morrow where I shall find a man who has not one agreeable quality, who has neither manner nor sense to recommend him. Stupid men are the only ones worth knowing, after all.”

“Even if a man has everything - money, power, the key to eternal life - he still is nothing if he is without a family to love him and for him to love.”